MONDAY MORNING’S TOP STORIES

Premarket news

Manufacturing activity contracted in the New York region in August for the third straight month, according to the Empire State survey from the New York Federal Reserve Bank. The index worsened to negative 7.7 from negative 3.8 in July.

Indications: U.S. stock futures gain after Japan GDP data

Stock futures pointed to a higher opening for Wall Street on Monday after data showed a smaller-than-expected contraction in the Japanese economy and as investors also assessed U.S. data on manufacturing and Google’s deal for Motorola Mobility. See Indications.

Economic Report: Japan’s economy shrinks less than feared

Japan’s economy contracted by less than expected during the second quarter, in the wake of the devastating March earthquake and tsunami. Read more on Japan’s economy.

London Markets: AMEC, Kazakhmys lead FTSE 100 higher

Asia Markets: Asian stocks climb after rough week

Asian stocks rose sharply, with better-than-expected Japanese economic data providing some optimism for the market. See Asia Markets.

Currencies: Swiss franc slumps against euro, dollar

The Swiss franc dropped against the U.S. dollar and the euro to start the week, as foreign-exchange traders reacted to reports that Switzerland’s central bank plans further measures to rein in its currency. See Currencies.

Intraday Data provided by SIX Financial Information and subject to terms of use. Historical and current end-of-day data provided by SIX Financial Information. All quotes are in local exchange time. Real-time last sale data for U.S. stock quotes reflect trades reported through Nasdaq only. Intraday data delayed at least 15 minutes or per exchange requirements.